49ers sign former Illini WR Lloyd

Brandon Lloyd was lured out of retirement by the San Francisco 49ers, who signed the former Pro Bowl wide receiver to a one-year contract.

The 32-year-old former Illinois wide receiver chose to pursue off-field interests last season, declining overtures from the 49ers, New England Patriots and other teams who wanted him to play in 2013.

Lloyd played 10 NFL seasons with six teams, including the 49ers, who drafted him in the fourth-round out of Illinois in 2003.

He was traded to the Washington Redskins in 2006 and made the Pro Bowl in 2010 with the Denver Broncos (77 receptions, 1,448 yards and 11 touchdowns). Lloyd was traded to the St. Louis Rams in 2011 and then signed with the Patriots as an unrestricted free agent.

The 49ers reportedly were interested in DeSean Jackson and other slot receivers -- including Emmanuel Sanders, a free agent who left the Steelers to join the Broncos -- but made only one move at the position this offseason, re-signing Anquan Boldin.